Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC60 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo XC60 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Volvo XC60 vs Toyota Camry: The XC60 averages 109.7 complaints per year, with electrical issues and phantom braking common, while the Camry averages 214.3, with transmission and brake failures reported. The XC60 has 44 recalls, the Camry 31. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC60 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60, in ownership terms, is a premium compact SUV that promises safety and comfort, but its complaint history reveals a heavy reliance on complex electronics that can be a source of frustration. With over 1,000 complaints in a decade, the pattern points to issues with the electrical system, including batteries and software glitches, as well as unexpected automatic braking and brake system anomalies. Owners frequently describe situations where the car acts on its own, such as sudden stops or unintended acceleration, which can be alarming and undermine trust in the vehicle's safety systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan known for reliability, shows a higher total number of complaints but also a broader range of issues, with the most common being in the powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failures, which are serious safety concerns. However, the Camry's complaints are spread across more categories, suggesting that while it has its share of problems, they are not as concentrated in one area as the XC60's electrical issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC60 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,097 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 109.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 78 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Volvo XC60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM407
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER201
- 03SERVICE BRAKES161
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE150
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION94
Owners report the support battery for start/stop failing, triggering service messages, and the AC/heater vent emitting a rotten smell. The battery's location is a concern, and repeated electrical gremlins can disable safety features like cross-path detection and Bluetooth, leaving drivers without alerts.
The City Safety auto-braking system activates for no reason, causing the car to slam to a stop in intersections when there is no obstacle. This can lead to rear-end collisions and is a serious safety hazard, as drivers lose control of braking.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration while turning, where the car surges forward despite the driver pressing the brake, and the car does not stop even with strong brake pressure. This is a critical safety issue that could cause crashes.
“The support battery for start/stop started to show on the dash and tells me that service is required about 2 weeks ago. "THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY IS MY CONCERN". A month ago, the air coming out from the vent of the ac/heater started to smell like a rotten…”
“Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that require replacement. Some report sudden unintended acceleration when parking, where the car lurches forward despite braking, leading to crashes.
There are instances of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, where the car rapidly accelerates on its own, eventually causing a crash. Additionally, engine maintenance lights come on with codes like P268115, indicating a coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure is reported on steep hills, where pressing the pedal yields no response, forcing drivers to take evasive action. This is a terrifying experience and a major safety concern, especially in hilly areas.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Volvo XC60 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
The risk: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Volvo XC60 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC60 has fewer complaints per year (109.7) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but its issues are more concentrated in electrical and braking systems, which can be costly and inconvenient. The Camry's higher count is partly due to its larger sales volume, but its problems are more varied, including serious powertrain and engine failures. In practice, the XC60 may offer a more refined experience when working, but its electronic gremlins could be a headache.
Key differences
- The XC60's complaints are dominated by electrical system failures (407) and forward collision avoidance issues (150), leading to phantom braking and disabled safety features.
- The Camry's top issue is powertrain (395), with owners reporting transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, which can be dangerous.
- The XC60 has more recalls (44) than the Camry (31), but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs 76) and one death, indicating more severe outcomes.
- The XC60's brake complaints (161) often involve unintended acceleration, while the Camry's brake complaints (290) include total brake failure on hills.
- Inspect the electrical system, especially the support battery for start/stop, and check for any service messages or warning lights.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to ensure it doesn't activate without reason, and ask about any software updates.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any hesitation or surging.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and ask about any recalls related to the engine coolant valve.
Before you buy
- Check the NHTSA recall database for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- For the XC60, have a mechanic inspect the battery and electrical system, and test the auto-braking in a controlled environment.
- For the Camry, take a test drive that includes acceleration and braking on a slope to check for transmission and brake issues.
- Ask for service records to see if the XC60 has had repeated electrical repairs or the Camry has had transmission work.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who is familiar with these models.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Volvo XC60 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 119 |
| 2025 | 34 | 153 |
| 2024 | 46 | 48 |
| 2023 | 204 | 62 |
| 2022 | 355 | 59 |
| 2021 | 124 | 155 |
| 2020 | 88 | 270 |
| 2019 | 108 | 393 |
| 2018 | 108 | 736 |
| 2017 | 16 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Volvo XC60 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC60 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo XC60 total complaints
- 1,097
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 109.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN